ECUADOR

Ecuador is a country in Northwestern South America, with a Pacific Ocean coastline, lying on the Equator between Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru, to the south and east.

Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano. Many cities and sites in Ecuador are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Such cities and best known places are the Galapagos Islands, and the city of Cuenca.

Culture

The “Republic of the Ecuador” was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999.

Climate

Ecuador has many climate zones, from tropical along coast to cooler and dryer inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands. Ecuador is unusual in that one can choose any climate one wishes by where in the country one travels to. Lying on the equator means there is no summer or winter; however, there are typically wetter and drier seasons. The ‘wetter’ season is usually between December – June , while the drier season runs from July – November.

Currency:
The US dollar became legal tender in Ecuador March 13, 2000, and sucre notes ceased being legal tender on September 11.[citation needed] Sucre notes remained exchangeable at Banco Central until March 30, 2001, at 25,000 sucres per dollar.[citation needed] Ecuador now only issues its own centavo coins.[

Languages:
The predominant and official language of Ecuador is Spanish, in addition to Northern Quechua and other pre-colonial American languages, which are spoken by 2,300,000 (Adelaar 1991). Ethnologue lists 24 languages of Ecuador:

Travel Insurance:
When buying your travel insurance, always check the small print – some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’, which could be anything from scuba diving to horse riding. You should check whether the medical coverage is on a pay first, claim later basis and, more importantly, ensure that your medical coverage includes the cost of medical evacuation.

Visa:
Ecuador welcomes people from all over the world who wish to visit for a short period of time or to establish permanent residency. If you come to Ecuador as a tourist or on a business trip, you do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days on a 12 month-period (chronological year), unless you are a citizen (passport holder) from one of the following countries:
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Somalia

International Airports:
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Eloy Alfaro International Airport
Cotopaxi International Airport